One of the most anticipated new theatre productions heading to Edinburgh this summer is Amnesia, a razor-sharp solo play that explores dementia care, working-class life, and family bonds on the North Wales coast. Set in Rhyl, the piece combines biting comedy with genuine emotional depth, promising audiences a show that is as heartwarming as it is hilarious. It runs at the Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Two) from 5 to 31 August 2025, with performances at 16:25 daily (not 17 August), and runs for 60 minutes.
The production is presented by Pleasance and Sherman Theatre in association with Theatr Clwyd, and forms part of the prestigious Pleasance Edinburgh National Partnerships programme. This initiative champions outstanding new theatre-makers from across the UK, and Amnesia was selected by Sherman Theatre to represent Wales in 2025, a significant endorsement of both the writing and the story it tells.
What Is Amnesia About?
Amnesia follows Kelly, a dementia carer and the daughter of not one but two Tom Jones tribute acts, who takes immense pride in holding everything together. Whether navigating chaotic shifts at her care home, managing turbulent friendships, or meeting family expectations, Kelly is the rock everyone else leans on. But when she begins concealing devastating personal news, the carefully maintained facade starts to crack.
What makes the play particularly distinctive is its tonal balance. It refuses to treat dementia and caregiving as solely sombre subjects, instead infusing the narrative with irreverent humour and a deep sense of community spirit. The piece shines a genuine light on the dedication of carers, the realities of living with dementia, and the warmth of tight-knit communities, all without shying away from the emotional toll these experiences take.
A Deeply Personal Project
Amnesia is written and performed by Kimberly Hart-Simpson, best known for her screen roles in Coronation Street and Brassic. This production marks her Edinburgh Fringe debut and represents a significant step into the theatre world. Hart-Simpson has spoken about how deeply personal the material is, noting that the story has stayed with her for years and that she has no intention of letting it go.
She has described the play as a tribute not only to those living with dementia but also to the carers and communities who rally around them with constant warmth, love, and spirit. It is a perspective that is often overlooked in mainstream storytelling, and Amnesia aims to redress that balance by placing a working-class carer centre stage.
The Creative Team Behind the Production
The show is directed by Kate Wasserberg, Artistic Director of Theatr Clwyd, one of Wales's most respected theatre companies. Wasserberg brings a wealth of experience in developing new writing and nurturing emerging voices, making her an ideal collaborator for a piece as personal and raw as Amnesia.
Production duties are handled by Queenie Miller for Hat Trick Productions, the company perhaps best known for its television output but increasingly active in the live performance space. The collaboration between Hat Trick, Sherman Theatre, and Theatr Clwyd underscores the growing appetite for cross-platform storytelling, where talent from television and theatre intersect to create work that resonates with broader audiences.
Why This Show Matters in 2025
Dementia care is one of the defining social challenges of our time. According to the Alzheimer's Society, there are currently around 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, a figure projected to rise to over one million by 2030. Behind every diagnosis stands a network of carers, many of them unpaid family members, whose experiences are rarely given the spotlight they deserve.
Amnesia arrives at a moment when conversations around social care, mental health, and working-class representation in the arts are more urgent than ever. By centering its story on a carer in a North Wales seaside town, the play brings a perspective that is distinctly different from the London-centric narratives that often dominate the Fringe. It is a celebration of regional identity, resilience, and the kind of dark humour that sustains communities through difficult times.
The Pleasance Edinburgh National Partnerships programme, through which Amnesia has been selected, has an impressive track record of spotlighting work that goes on to enjoy wider success. Previous selections have transferred to major venues and garnered critical acclaim, making this platform a significant launchpad for new talent.
Edinburgh Fringe 2025: A Strong Year for New Writing
Amnesia joins what is shaping up to be a particularly strong year for new shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. The festival continues to serve as the UK's primary testing ground for original theatre, offering a unique environment where solo shows, devised pieces, and experimental work can find their audience alongside established productions.
For theatre fans who enjoy the intimacy and raw energy of solo performance, Amnesia looks set to be a must-see. The combination of a compelling personal story, a performer with genuine screen presence making her stage debut, and a creative team with deep roots in Welsh theatre makes this one of the productions most likely to generate real buzz during August.
If you are heading to Edinburgh this summer, Amnesia performs at the Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Two) at 16:25 daily from 5 to 31 August (no performance on 17 August). At just 60 minutes, it fits neatly into a packed Fringe schedule and, given its partnership pedigree, is likely to sell well. Booking early would be advisable.
Looking for More Theatre to Book?
If stories about resilience, community, and British life appeal to you, there is plenty to explore across the UK theatre landscape this year. Browse the latest shows available on BritishTheatre.com, from musicals and plays to touring productions heading to venues across the country. Whether you are planning a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe or looking for something closer to home in the West End, there is always something new to discover.
Susan Novak has a lifelong passion for theatre. With a degree in English, she brings a deep appreciation for storytelling and drama to her writing. She also loves reading and poetry. When not attending shows, Susan enjoys exploring new work and sharing her enthusiasm for the performing arts, aiming to inspire others to experience the magic of theatre.
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